The mornings are cool enough to leave the kitchen door open. You get to listen to Jacque Clousea crow 900 times. Did I tell you another one of our French birds is also a stinkin' rooster? DRAT! He may have to go if the bloodbath starts, but so far, they are sharing the 35 ladies with poise. I guess we need another French name for him - any suggestions? Pierre? Jean Claude?
We went to a beautiful lake last weekend. It is full of little inlets and you can picnic right there, almost in the lake. The boys swam, we grilled, played games and the water people gave us plenty to see (jet skis, boats, knee boarding, etc.). Quite a nice day indeed!
We are back to school (as if we ever stopped schooling?) and we are really enjoying our time together. World geography, ecosystems, missionaries and deep discussions fill our mornings. They are really soaking it up and eager to know more about things each day. I have really enjoyed playing the geography game with them, learning all those little countries in North America that we often forget exist.
A friendly game of poker the other day was all the more fun when we used chocolate chips and combos as our chips. Chris had quite the pile of goodies on his plate! I finally gave in and ate my "chips".... We are upping the stakes next time with peanut M & M's and skittles.....
Chris is becoming quite the artist with his creative color schemes on his Warhammer army. I am impressed with his attention to details and the amount of hours he has spent. He and Andrew are teaming up in a tournament this weekend - what fun!
Andrew is ever serious about his Civil Air Patrol career. He has recently promoted to Sergeant! He went on a weekend camping trip where they learned first aid, map reading and ground team skills. He is beginning to think about trying to get into the Air Force Academy! He would be an excellent cadet - I have no doubt about that!
Michael is the kind of big brother every little boy dreams of having. He treats James with such love! They are always playing together and snuggling to watch a movie. Michael also is so quick to make sure James is safe if we are out hiking or in a strange place. I couldn't be more thankful to God for him!
James is really excelling lately in his schooling. He wants to spell well and read more challenging stories. I am delighted with his perpetually sweet personality. Right now, he is learning how to draw animals with more detail. I think he has his dad's gift of drawing, just like Michael and Andrew! How lucky am I??
I have been befriending my sour dough mother, almost on a daily basis! I have made countless loaves, waffles, rolls, etc. I really love it and especially love that it is so much more healthy for your gut. I have noticed I am not bloated after eating the sour dough baked goods. I have been doing many sewing projects, including some Roman shades to match Chris's new quilt. It's really going to look good when it's all done. I repaired an old quilt I made my dad almost 20 years ago, and it is good as new! I have several other projects in the works and it gives me that business that I need.
Keith and I are doing a very intense study with some friends of ours on how to handle your finances God's way. It is one of the most challenging courses we have ever done. Each week is more provoking than the last one. We feel so blessed to have the fellowship with our like-minded friends! They are such sweet families and the kids are thriving with it as well. Of course we always share wonderfully good meals together! Gotta love that!
It looks like we are going to have an early fall, so if you are wanting to see some fall color, you may need to get over here in middle October! We always have room for you, so give me a call.
